National Sport

Van Persie hailed as model striker

Robin van Persie is the textbook centre-forward, according to Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic.

The Dutchman came off the bench to net a sublime equaliser in stoppage time against West Ham as United salvaged a 2-2 draw from a thrilling FA Cup third-round tie at Upton Park. It was Van Persie's 20th goal since joining from Arsenal in a £24million summer deal, converting a fine crossfield pass from fellow substitute Ryan Giggs to force a replay.

"His touch is magnificent and his finishing is top class," Vidic said on MUTV. "It is movement from the book, touch from the book, goal from the book. It is something they can show to kids, how to move and finish in the last third."

While quick to also praise "world-class" Van Persie, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left less than impressed by his side's defending at Upton Park.

After Tom Cleverly had swept the visitors into a lead midway through the first half, the Irons soon hit back when James Collins headed in a brilliant cross from Joe Cole, making a second debut after returning to boyhood club in a free transfer move from Liverpool.

West Ham then turned the tie around on the hour when Cole again provided the ammunition for Collins to leap above the static United defence and power a header past David De Gea.

Despite being rescued by Van Persie's moment of inspiration, Vidic accepts the team must tighten up at the back.

"We always know that on set-pieces they are a tough team to play against and eventually they scored two against us from crosses," the centre-back said.

"They scored from the second ball which we should look at again, and we are definitely a bit disappointed. It is something to talk about."

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